Related papers: Elevated Eccentricities in the Radius Valley Hint …
The radius valley (or gap) in the observed distribution of exoplanet radii, which separates smaller super-Earths from larger sub-Neptunes, is a key feature that theoretical models must explain. Conventionally, it is interpreted as the…
The demographics of Kepler planets provide a key testbed for models of planet formation and evolution, particularly for explaining the radius valley separating super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. A primordial interpretation based on differences…
Extrasolar planets with sizes between that of the Earth and Neptune ($R_{\rm p}=1{-}4~{\rm R}_\oplus$) have a bimodal radius distribution. This 'planet radius valley' separates compact, rocky super-Earths ($R_{\rm p}=1.0{-}1.8~{\rm…
The existence of a Radius Valley in the Kepler size distribution stands as one of the most important observational constraints to understand the origin and composition of exoplanets with radii between that of Earth and Neptune. The goal of…
The ''radius valley" is a relative dearth of planets between two potential populations of exoplanets, super-Earths and mini-Neptunes. This feature appears in examining the distribution of planetary radii, but has only ever been…
The size distribution of planets with radii between 1 and $4 R_\oplus$ peaks near 1.4 and $2.2R_\oplus$, with a dip around $1.8 R_\oplus$ -- the so-called "radius valley." Recent statistical analyses suggest that planets within this valley…
The radius valley separating super-Earths from mini-Neptunes is a fundamental benchmark for theories of planet formation and evolution. Observations show that the location of the radius valley decreases with decreasing stellar mass and with…
The population of small, close-in exoplanets is bifurcated into super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. We calculate physically motivated mass-radius relations for sub-Neptunes, with rocky cores and H/He dominated atmospheres, accounting for their…
The nature of sub-Neptunes remains unknown due to degeneracies in interior structure solutions. However, a statistical set of small planets with measured masses and radii can be used to test the planet formation theory prediction of large…
The observed radii distribution of {\it Kepler} exoplanets reveals two distinct populations: those that are more likely to be terrestrials ($\lesssim1.7R_\oplus$) and those that are more likely to be gas-enveloped ($\gtrsim2R_\oplus$).…
NASA's Kepler mission identified over 4000 extrasolar planets that transit (cross in front of) their host stars. This sample has revealed detailed features in the demographics of planet sizes and orbital spacings. However, knowledge of…
The size frequency distribution of exoplanet radii between 1 and 4$R_{\oplus}$ is bimodal with peaks at $\sim$1.4 $R_{\oplus}$ and $\sim$2.4 $R_{\oplus}$, and a valley at $\sim$1.8$R_{\oplus}$. This radius valley separates two classes of…
Recent astronomical observations obtained with the Kepler and TESS missions and their related ground-based follow-ups revealed an abundance of exoplanets with a size intermediate between Earth and Neptune. A low occurrence rate of planets…
The radius valley, a bimodal feature in the size distribution of close-in small exoplanets, is widely interpreted as a signature of atmospheric loss and therefore provides a key constraint on the formation and atmospheric evolution of these…
Various theoretical models treating the effect of stellar irradiation on planetary envelopes predict the presence of a radius valley: i.e. a bimodal distribution of planet radii, with super-Earths and sub-Neptune planets separated by a…
The radius valley, i.e., a dearth of planets with radii between 1.5 and 2 Earth radii, provides insights into planetary formation and evolution. Using homogenously revised planetary parameters from Kepler 1-minute short cadence light…
Recent observations revealed a bimodal radius distribution of small, short-period exoplanets with a paucity in their occurrence, a radius `valley', around $1.5-2.0$ $R_\oplus$. In this work, we investigate the effect of a planet's own…
Close-in planets smaller than Neptune form two distinct populations composed of rocky super-Earths and sub-Neptunes that may host primordial H/He envelopes. The origin of the radius valley separating these two planet populations remains an…
We present calculations of the occurrence rate of small close-in planets around low mass dwarf stars using the known planet populations from the $Kepler$ and $K2$ missions. Applying completeness corrections clearly reveals the radius valley…
Three planets with minimum masses less than 10 Earth masses orbit the star HD 40307, suggesting these planets may be rocky. However, with only radial velocity data, it is impossible to determine if these planets are rocky or gaseous. Here…